RUGBY: Devizes 2nd 7 Melksham 29

9:29am Wednesday 2nd April 2014

DEVIZES second string’s place in the division is all but secure for another season despite defeat to their local rivals on Saturday.

The home side, nine points clear of second-bottom Pewsey Vale at the start of play, could have faced a nervy final day next week, but Vale’s defeat to Trowbridge 2nd means Devizes need just a point from their final three games to ensure safety.

Devizes started the first period well but fell behind to a try from Mark Bowsher, converted by Simon Foster.

The home side, bossed by scrum-half Calum Conway, levelled with a fine team try.

Chris Holloran and an opponent both spent time in the sin-bin and the visitors nudged themselves in front with a Foster penalty before half time.

The start of the second period saw Melksham come out of the blocks and add further two tries in the opening ten minutes through Dave Dyke and Bowsher. Dyke added a further score as Melksham wrapped up their victory.